"A Very Touching Irish Love Story"

Michael Kilbride has spent the last 14 years of his life in prison for a crime that he did not commit. While he is getting back of his feet, he goes to live with his younger eccentric sister Violet in Ballymuir. Michael decides to take a walk after he and Vi have a roll, and as he walks he comes upon Kylie O'Shea.

Kylie "Saintly" O'Shea tends to her garden when she looks up and sees the most beautiful pair of green eyes, that she has ever seen. Michael offers to help her and the two are instantly attracted to one another. Soon rumors about Michael start to circulate around town, and someone from Michael's past reenters his life threatening all that he has built.

From the first page of this novel I was hooked and I had a hard time putting it down. Dorien Kelly delivers a touching story of a man trying to reclaim his life and find love along the way. Michael was a wonderful hero handsome, understanding, and despite what he thinks is very loving. I didn't really like Kylie at first. She started to get to me always blaming her stuff when things went right, and then I realized something deeper occurred in Kylie's life to make her think those thoughts. With Michael's love and patience she becomes a stronger person and I really started to like her. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next installment of the Ballymuir Community.

Reviewed by Ronica Rainge
Posted May 8, 2003

Steeped in the age-old beauty and traditions of Ireland, Dorien Kelly's enchanting contemporary novel transports readers to a picturesque Irish village where passions run deep....

Summary

Miss Kylie "Soon-to-Be-a-Saint" O'Shea teaches at the Gaelic school, helps her neighbors and volunteers for every good cause. No one in Ballymuir can figure out why she keeps the interested lads at bay but they all warn her that she's in danger of fulfilling a local legend: becoming the last bride in Ballymuir. When a stranger named Michael Kilbride comes to the village wild rumors surround his every move. But Kylie, captivated by Michael's intense passions, lets herself go where Michael leads her -- into an awakening of dreams and desires...even if it means exposing her beloved village's and her own darkest secrets.